Cryptalyra

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Introduction

Cryptalyra is a small genus with three rare species known only from South America. Cryptalyra plaumanni was described by Shaw (1987) from southern Brazil. Cryptalyra colombia was described from Colombia by Shaw (2002). Cryptalyra depressa, the most recently discovered species, was described by Azevedo and Tavares (2006).

Shaw (1990) inferred a sister-group relationship of Cryptalyra with the Oriental/Australasian genus Carminator, and placed both in the tribe Cryptalyrini. Three synapomorphies support this relationship: compact flagellomeres, loss of the forewing metacarpus vein, and loss of the hind wing RS vein.

Characteristics

Cryptalyra species can be distinguished from other megalyrids by their minute body size (4.6 mm or less), very short antenna, and exceptionally short ovipositor sheath (barely protruding beyond the apex of the metasoma). The ovipositor can be retracted into the body.

Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships

Azevedo and Tavares (2006) suggested that Cryptalyra plaumanni and Cryptalyra depressa are sister-species because both species have the occipital carina curved toward the mandible, and the antenna only as long as the head.

References

Azevedo, C. O. and M. T. Tavares. 2006. A new species of Cryptalyra (Hymenoptera, Megalyridae) from Brazil with a key to the species of the genus. Zootaxa 1259:55-59.

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